Protecting yourself from Cyclospora infection INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Cyclospora is a parasite known to cause an intestinal infection, Cyclosporiasis. Individuals become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter. Symptoms may occur 2-14 days after exposure and may last weeks or relapse after perceived resolution, if not treated.  Common symptoms include: Sudden, watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea. Low-grade fever. Body aches. Fatigue. Abdominal cramping. Bloating. Loss of appetite. Nausea.  Vomiting. Severe diarrhea. Weight loss. Cyclosporiasis is diagnosed by stool test and treated with the antibiotic, Bactrim. Investigators still have not identified a source of the outbreak. Experts are unsure if there is one common source of the outbreak or multiple unrelated sources.  This comes at a time when we have fewer federal public health employees. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scaled back a longstanding federal-state partnership that monitors foodborne illnesses. As a result, Cyclospora reporting to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), is no longer required. This could lead to delays in identifying a specific produce, supplier, farmer or water source. Ultimately, leading to delays in halting transmission amongst Americans. Cyclospora is more resistant to traditional chlorine-based cleaners used in municipal water systems. Measures you can take to protect yourself and your family include: Washing your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before and after handling food.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora. When eating out, avoid fresh fruit and salad bars. Avoid raw foods identified in previous Cyclospora outbreaks: Raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, and salad mixes. Washing fruits and vegetables in vinegar may help remove Cyclospora from produce, though it does not kill the parasite. Use three parts water and one part vinegar to wash produce for a few minutes. Cook produce to an internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Cook raspberries and add to oats or chia pudding. Separate the leaves and stems of cilantro and basil.  Buy heads of lettuce instead of salad mix bags and remove the outer layer. Cook leafy greens. Cut the roots off green onions, remove the outer layer and run them under water while rubbing the surface. Scrub the outside of firm fruits and vegetables. Remove the peeling after washing and prior to eating. Thoroughly wash cutting boards, countertops and cutlery.  Consider bottled water instead of tap water for now.  ...read more read less